Auckland Council is asking for more help to deal with the region's homeless and the shortage of emergency housing.
It has given a briefing paper to Minister of Social Housing Paula Bennett asking the Government to share responsibility to find solutions to the problem.
Chair of the council's Community Development Committee Cathy Casey said there was added pressure in Auckland because of housing costs and long waiting lists for social housing.
She said ratepayers could only be expected to pay for so much, and it is time for the Government to come to the table.
Ms Casey said the council also wanted Housing New Zealand to work more closely with local authorities.